Heat cited in 3 area deaths

The recent heat wave was a contributing cause to the deaths of at least three people, including a 10-year-old girl, the Cook County medical examiner's office said today when releasing autopsy results.

Keiavya Marzette, 10, of the 6400 block of South Morgan Street, died Thursday of heat stroke after she was found at 9345 S. Green St., according to the office. A secondary cause was listed as cerebral palsy.

Kale Westerhoff, 32, of the 300 block of Wright Street in Crown Point, Ind., passed out while working on a roof at 1379 Main St. in Crete. The Crete Fire Department responded and brought him to St. James Hospital and Health Centers in Chicago, where he was pronounced dead from a heat stroke Thursday morning.

Gloria Woods, 59, of the 5900 block of West Rice Street, died early Friday morning at her home from cardiovascular disease, diabetes and heat stress, according to the medical examiner's office.